Today, we welcome Matthew who is originally from the UK, but now lives in New Zealand to Profiles of Beskirted Men!
What is your name?
Matthew
Where are you from?
Originally the UK, but have lived in New Zealand since I was 17
Which types of gender non-conforming clothing do you enjoy wearing?
Anything and everything.
When did you start wearing gender non-conforming clothing?
Always been jealous of the colours and styles available, but have experimented for around 25 years
How did you start wearing gender non-conforming clothing and why?
I found my wardrobe boring and frustrating – wearing clothes was a chore, so when I decided to branch out fully, I first discussed it with my wife and children, got their blessing and support and then just dove in, went on a shopping spree in my wife’s skirt and a tshirt.
What is your motivation now for putting on gender non-conforming clothing?
It’s fun, I like how I look, people seem much nicer and I enjoy the compliments. It’s good to make people question their world view occasionally 🙂
What do gender non-conforming clothes mean to you?
Personal expression, freedom
How often do you wear gender non-conforming clothing?
All the time, when applicable. Even to the gym, I have a nice skort for that. Typically hunting, chainsawing etc means trousers
Do you go out in public dressed in gender non-conforming clothes? If not, why not? If so, how often and where do you go? Are there any places you wouldn’t go?
All the time, everyday. Gym, town, children’s schools… Anywhere I would wear trousers, I would wear a skirt.
Do you find it hard to go out in public in gender non-conforming clothes?
No, I’ve had so many nice interactions, there is no fear
What is your best and/or worst experience in gender non-conforming clothes?
Walking across a big road in a city, two women in their 20’s come up and tell how great I looked…as I have basically never got compliments like that when wearing “normal” clothes, it really touched me.
Worst experience, haven’t really had any that are worth writing about
Do your family or friends know about how you dress?
Yes, however my parents have not spoken or seen me since, and some of my extended family back in the UK do not seem to be supportive or understanding.
Are there people you don’t want to know about it?
My elderly grandfather, he may or may not understand, but I won’t see him again due to being in the UK, and it isn’t worth the risk to bring it up.
Does your partner accept your clothing choices?
Totally, she was the one who gave me the nudge to embrace it fully.
What is your favorite style?
Flowy colourful, loud and cheerful.
Where do you shop for your clothes?
Op shops & high street shops…no shame in trying stuff on in the mainstream women’s stores.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Been a great experience, a real eye opener and has renewed my hope for society. I expected children to be the worst, but they don’t care (teenage girls can be a bit giggly in a spiteful way), but who cares.
My farming community have been great too… Everyone I expected negative reactions from, I didn’t get…
Thank you for sharing, Matthew!
If you would like to have your profile featured in Profiles of Beskirted Men, take a look at the post I wrote about it for more details.
Yep. Nice. Totally agree.
Great to see another person getting support from not only closest family, but also local community. Still, experimenting for so many years, that’s a long journey but must be fun.